How far is Van Metre, SD from Draper, SD?
The driving distance from Van Metre, SD to Draper, SD is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 20.4 miles (32.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 09m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 04m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in and county seat of Jones County, South Dakota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Widespread Frost then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Van Metre and Draper.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Van Metre and Draper.
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1
Start on Van Metre Road
2001 ft · 2 min · Van Metre Road
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2
Turn left
1 km · 2 min
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3
Continue on Van Metre Road
17.4 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Van Metre Road
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4
Keep slight left
2 mi · 8 min
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5
Keep slight right
1.5 mi · 6 min
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6
Turn left
1 mi · 2 min
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7
Turn right onto Kennedy Avenue
925 ft · 23 sec · Kennedy Avenue
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8
Continue on Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
759 ft · 25 sec · Blue Star Memorial Highway/Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway
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9
Take the exit left
1625 ft · 40 sec
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10
Merge slight left
7.9 mi · 7 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Draper
1661 ft · 46 sec
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12
Turn left
544 ft · 15 sec
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13
Continue on County Road N13
1.5 km · 2 min · County Road N13
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14
Turn right
1834 ft · 42 sec
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15
Turn left onto Main Street
1161 ft · 51 sec · Main Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Van Metre and Draper.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Van Metre Road
Continue on Van Metre Road
17.4 mi · 01h 07m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Widespread Frost then Sunny leaving Van Metre and Sunny near Draper.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Van Metre to Draper?
The road trip is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km) and usually takes 01h 04m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Murdo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.7 miles from Van Metre and 17.6 miles from Draper.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 20.4 miles (32.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.12 one way or $10.24 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Widespread Frost then Sunny around Van Metre and Sunny near Draper.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Van Metre and Draper. Straight-line distance: 20.45 mi (32.91 km).
#1 Van Metre
Located in Jones County at an elevation of 1690 feet, this rural area is situated within the grassland region of central South Dakota.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 44.1594300, -100.7937500 |
| Altitude | 515 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Draper
Town in South Dakota, United States of America
| Population | 31 |
| Coordinates | 43.9261000, -100.5404100 |
| Altitude | 690 |
| Country | United States |
End: Main Street (-100.540294, 43.926099)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.23 | $5.12 | $10.24 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $5.40 | $10.79 |
| Premium | $5.05 | $6.11 | $12.22 |
| Diesel | $6.01 | $7.27 | $14.54 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in South Dakota · Oct 15, 2026